Are there different types of cholesterol?
* Yes, there are different forms of cholesterol. * LDL cholesterol is sometimes known as “bad cholesterol” as it is linked to a higher risk of vascular disease, such as heart attack and stroke. This is because high LDL cholesterol (along with other risk factors such as smoking and high blood pressure) can lead to b…
What causes high cholesterol?
There are a few factors: * Genetics- high cholesterol tends to run in some families. * Diet- certain foods can cause increases in LDL cholesterol fatty or processed meats biscuits, cakes & pastries snack foods like chips deep-fried foods many types of takeaway foods eggs and dairy foods in excessive …
What cholesterol levels are normal?
* Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (sometimes known as “bad cholesterol) tend to be the focus of discussion when blood tests are done. * Normal total cholesterol is less than 5mmol/L * Normal LDL is less then 3mmol/L, but basically, the lower the better. * However, in people who have other risk factors (for …
When should you start treatment for high cholesterol?
* The decision to start a medication depends on a person’s overall risk of heart disease and stroke (cardiovascular disease)- it’s different for different people. * A cardiovascular risk calculator can be used to figure out your risk of getting a heart attack or stroke in the next 10 years, based on your cholestero…
What lifestyle changes are recommended if you have high cholesterol?
Lifestyle changes are aimed at reducing all risk factors that contribute to cardiovascular disease, and include the following: * Quit smoking. Smoking allows LDL cholesterol to enter blood vessel walls more easily and cause damage. * Healthy eating * Increase exercise. Regular exercise appears to increase HDL lev…
When should you start having your cholesterol levels checked?
Australian guidelines state that it’s advisable to have a blood test to check your lipid (cholesterol) profile every 5 years, from the age of 45. Torres Strait Islanders and Aboriginal peoples should be tested every 5 years from the age of 35, as they have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. How often you get …
